The Beach Shack Project specialises in handmade unique pieces of jewellery made from flotsam and Jetsam. Sea glass, old Victorian pottery shards, driftwood, nylon, monofilament, plastic, shells and stones all make up the unusual components used in each design.

Although the beach is a great place to source new objects and inspiration, the items gathered whilst beachcombing can also pose a threat to the coastal eco system. For example, huge tumbleweed sized balls of monofilament, discarded by fisherman or thrown over board can be an unfortunate end for any bird or fish unlucky to become entangled. They are also un-biodegradable, so can become a very permanent feature on the beaches. These tangled balls are collected and laboriously unraveled, unknotted, and even reknotted until the nylon is left in workable strands. These balls are then washed thoroughly in antibacterial soap so they are squeaky-clean and then ready to design with.

I can find working with found materials limiting, but this can result in an unusual creative output. It makes you really think about what you are using, because you work with what you find.

Currently, here at the Beach Shack Project we are working with Surfers Against Sewage by donating a percentage of profits from the reclaimed nylon range of jewellery to their campaign.

Surfers Against Sewage is a campaign group set up by surfers who wanted to use clean safe oceans. One of their missions is to reduce “Marine Litter” which is a problem for the wildlife and the many diverse groups of people who use the sea for recreational sport.

15% from the sale price of each piece of reclaimed nylon jewellery goes to the group and most of the pieces available are one offs. To see the range available please visit
www.beachshackproject.bigcartel.com/category/surfers-against-sewage-promo

Currently, there is also 50% off the other lines in the store until the end of January to make way for new stock. Please login to www.beachshackproject.co.uk for more information and to access the discount code. And there is also a fabulous necklace giveaway too, win a handmade organic hemp knitted fisherman’s rope necklace with a chunky bottle green sea glass pendant.

Article by Hannah Marshall
www.beachshackproject.co.uk

Leblas Fine Jewellery is an ethical jewellery boutique founded by Clare Winfield and award winning jewellery designer Arabel Lebrusan. The core concept behind the brand lies in the belief that a business can be culturally and socially responsible, and that ethical jewellery can be contemporary and chic. Winner of Coutts New Jeweller Award 2009, Leblas is quickly becoming one of the hottest new ethical jewellery designers.

Leblas exclusively uses 100% recycled gold and silver metals from a carefully selected refinery, which are segregated from all other metals and then transferred directly to our workshops in Spain. By using recycled materials, we know that we are helping to reduce the carbon footprint caused by excessive mining. Leblas does not compromise quality for ethics, which is why we only use 18k gold and high-quality conflict–free Canadian diamonds and other traceable gems.

Each Leblas piece is designed to reflect the traditions of jewellery artistry. Handmade jewellery-making is fast becoming a lost craft, disappearing from generation to generation, whilst today more and more jewellery is being mass produced in the East. It is crucial for us to sustain this valuable talent by working only with specialised filigree artisans, and we aspire to start an artistry apprenticeship program to encourage young jewellers to take up this valuable skill.

Leblas carries diverse collections ranging from a “Heritage” line, which includes our signature 100% handmade Filigree collections, as well as the top selling “Diamond Square”, “Alhambra”, and “Sequin” lines.  In addition, we are dedicated in designing beautiful one-of-a-kind wedding and engagement collections, where our precious diamonds and metals are fused together to create inspirational and unique pieces.

In addition to being ethical in the materials and techniques used to make its jewellery, we use recycled paper and biodegradable inks and paper, all certified by the FSC.  We also support young talent by acting as a stockist to upcoming jewellery designers, such as Missoma, Francesca Sibylla Augusta, and SHO, and Lily Cole’s ethical knitwear line “The North Circular”.

Finally, Leblas provides a range of customer services, which are critical in creating and maintaining close relationships with each of our clients.  Our bespoke service allows customers to create their dream jewellery pieces, and our jewellery care and re-design services ensure that jewellery is not wasted and is longer-lasting.

We have our own boutique situated on Sloane Street in London and an online store (www.leblas.com), which is easy to navigate and provides valuable information regarding jewellery care and buying guidance. Most importantly, we offer worldwide free shipping and returns, thus customers interested in ethical jewellery are not restricted to the UK.

Leblas makes a difference, from using recycled gold and silver to supporting local talent and doing our part to save the environment.

Article by Nina Tukaj
www.leblas.com

How the Women of Pampa Brava are Emerging from Poverty in a Sustainable Way

The Wichí women of the Formosa province in Northeast Argentina are truly an example of how fair trade has created sustainable livelihoods in even the most trying of circumstances. These indigenous women have found opportunity in the face of oppression and carved a path to progress by preserving traditional art forms.

There is a reason you do not hear much about the indigenous groups of Argentina. Few groups have been able to survive since Spanish conquerors first pushed them out in 1586. In the face of a degraded and isolated environment, the Wichí people have struggled to maintain their hunter-gatherer existence. Considering that over 85 percent of Wichí do not speak Spanish or have a formal education, opportunities to work and generate income are scarce.

Pampa Brava, a fair trade organization in Buenos Aires works with Wichí artisans that use traditional art forms to create sustainable livelihoods. The handmade goods are sold in the United States through the fair trade nonprofit organization Global Goods Partners, with all proceeds going towards community development, ensuring that the women and their families have access to clean water, health care and education.

The women weave elaborate pieces of jewelry and accessories out of the Chaguar plant, which is endemic to the Chaco region. The women chop off the leaves of the plant using machetes because of the numerous and dangerous thorns. They shred the inside of the leaves into very thin strips and allow the strips to dry naturally in the sun for several days.

The women coat their fingers in ashes and then roll and twist the shreds together into threads Large vats of organic dye are prepared using seasonally available roots, bark, fruit and leaves that are used to give the threads color.

The women then weave the colored thread together using a vertical loom weaving device and a small stick, which works much like a crochet needle. The woven patterns are inspired by traditional designs and depict images of nature such as the chest of the woodpecker and the ears of the armadillo.

In addition to the concrete ways in which the partnership between Pampa Brava and Global Goods Partners has improved the livelihoods of the Wichí women, their quality of life has been impacted in many positive aspects. The women of Pampa Brava have gained a sense of empowerment that comes with earning an income; they have an enhanced sense of community, which comes from working cooperatively for the collective benefit; and they have found a voice through artistic expression, when once they were socially ostracized.

To support the women of Pampa Brava, shop online at www.globalgoodspartners.org.

Article by Kelly N. Sandoval

Just over three years ago, the collaborative effort of the not-for-profit Voices for Global Change and a small group of women from a Ugandan IDP camp brought about Paper to Pearls, a micro-enterprise initiative that has transformed the lives of hundreds of women and their communities. The women beaders of Paper to Pearls handcraft beautiful, 100% green recycled paper bead jewelry. The income from the sale of these eco-chic necklaces, earrings, and bracelets has enabled the women to provide food and medicine for their families as well as schooling for their children.

It was our great delight when the Triennale Design Museum of Milan, Italy requested to display Paper to Pearls necklaces alongside the work of over 60 globally renowned jewelry artists as part of their Paper Jewellery exhibit.

Our beaders’ transformation of a very humble medium into a fashion statement epitomizes the thematic concepts of the show- the spirit of sustainability and the inherent value possible in everyday items.

The women of Uganda craft beautiful necklaces out of recycled paper as a creative and industrious response to the limitations of a post-conflict country. In our own environment, where access to desired resources is relatively easy and plentiful, our Ugandan beaders are a constant inspiration to incorporate ingenuity and resourcefulness into our daily lives. As the themes from the Milan exhibit and the stories of our women so perfectly capture, it is important to continually find resourceful, sustainable ways to turn an ordinary material into an extraordinary product.

www.papertopearls.org

Article by Hilary Hamlin

Growing up in Cornwall, UK, has meant I have always had easy access to the coast. I have always enjoyed the beach, but my mind gets a bit restless if I am doing nothing, so beachcombing was a natural transitional pastime for me to enjoy. I have always picked up and hoarded stuff, being one of those people preparing for something that hadn’t happened yet, not entirely sure what you would need old bits of pink sea glass or broken kinder surprise toys for, but if you did, you were prepared.

It was only when I was given a shell with some holes already naturally present that I thought it would make a cool necklace, so I then returned to my treasures to see what else would be a good pendant or charm.

That was 8 years ago now, and I now have The Beach Shack Project. I use primarily found objects in my work, but when I first started, to be perfectly honest recycling was not my first concern. I was simply intrigued by peoples reactions to my work, and what you could make using other peoples discarded waste.

My favourite work at the moment involves using reclaimed textiles like fishing nylon, acrylic boat rope, and other random pieces of material, At the moment I am making a cuff out of an old surfboard arm cuff, neon thread, fishing line and pottery for an exhibition about recycled jewellery in Cornwall. Huge matted balls of fishing nylon are now commonplace on beaches, usually having been lost or discarded by fishermen. These balls are not only non-biodegradable, but pose a threat to any wildlife unlucky to get caught up in it.

I collect these tangled balls of nylon and laboriously go about unravelling, unknotting and even reknotting the nylon until I am left with workable strands. These are then washed thoroughly in antibacterial soap so they are squeaky-clean.

I find it a very productive unrestricting way to work, as working with found objects does not limit your creativity but simply fuel it; it makes you think of new ways to do things as you are always working with something different.

Straws and lollipop sticks became beads, discarded balls of nylon became thread or a textile to weave with and sea glass and pottery became beautiful focal points. I like to think outside the box, and hope that people find my work exciting and creative.  As I have said on my website, I do not look upon things as rubbish, just an unfinished part of something else.

“Jewellery is always a treasure, and though it may not be made of gold and diamonds, it should still have that sentiment.”  Tom Binns.

Hannah Marshall – The Beach Shack Project
www.beachshackproject.co.uk

Start your week with the wonderful Eco Chic Weekly roundup….

Ecco*Eco
Organic by John Patrick – Spring/Summer 2010 collection

Eco Fashion World
Talk about new materials being used in eco fashion

Eco-Chick
MuiChic – Accessories for Autumn

The Eco Diva
5 natural beauty tips (old school style!)

Ethical Style
Justify their fashion love

Feelgood Style
There’s still lead in lipstick but the FDA says it is OK

The Girlie Girl Army
Say leopard print is here to stay.

Green Grechen
Recycled suede pouch from Manimal.

Green Lashes and Fashion
Shows us some great upcycled fashion finds

Greenopia
The best eco jewelry for Fall

HipHonest
Explores recycled textiles Marielle Leenders

Inhabitat
Their top 7 favorite green shoes for Fall

Organic Beauty View
Covers New York Fashion Week!

The Alternative Consumer
Eco fashion’s night out – NYC

The GIN Lady
Esthetica’s showcase of 38 ethical designers

The Green Girls
How to have way too much fun preparing Your green wedding!

Treehugger
Six Fall fashion disasters to avoid.

Eco Chic Weekly is coordinated by the fantastic ADQ of Fashion Evolved.

Here’s the latest on everything chic, stylish and green.

Fashion, Evolved
Interviews Jaszy McAllister creator of ethical, beautiful Jaszy’s Jewelry.

Eco Fashion World
Interview with Maroussia Rebecq, founder of Andrea Crews.

Eco-Chick
Keeps us updated with the week’s eco fashion news.

Eco Diva
Shows us how to go local with Etsy.com

Ethical Style
Bangladesh Garment Factories Going Fair Trade

Feelgood Style
Popomomo introduces the Curatorial Collection

Green Grechen
Milk silk and the environmental effects

Green Lashes and Fashion
Amazing finds from organic fashion sales

Greenopia
8 Best Ways to Get The Closest Eco Shave (for Men and Women!)

Inhabitat
NoonSolar Bags: Solar Power Your Electronics with Your Bag

Modern Hippie Mag
Ask the Beauty Chick – Question and answer about chemicals in hair oil

Planet Green
Take the quiz to find out if you’re a green beauty

Alternative Consumer
Gorgeous upcycled vintage red bag

The Green Girls
Obsessed with vintage jewellery this fall

The Thrifty Chicks
Standing naked in a thrift store.

Treehugger
Beyond Parabens: 7 common cosmetics ingredients you need to avoid

Eco Chic Weekly is coordinated by the fantastic ADQ of Fashion Evolved.

I stumbled across this wonderful blog in my attempt to find fresh new places to promote by new line of recycled jewellery. However, rather than being greeted with “place an ad here for £XXX per month”, I found I was being given the opportunity to actually share with people the reasons behind my creations and my enthusiasm for all things ‘green’. Suddenly, promoting my jewellery was almost second to this unexpected opportunity! I had to give it a go!

I have always had a passion for green issues and doing what I can to protect my little corner of the planet, but then I’m sure this is something you’ve all heard many times before. What I would really like to share with you is my enthusiasm for recycling – a concept so simple it never fails to amaze me that so many people find it so hard to do.

My husband and I have always recycled  – paper in one box, glass in another, everything washed out and put out every other week for the council to take away and send off to some unknown land where our rubbish is magically turned into new things. However, it was when searching for a 1st anniversary gift for my husband, which is traditionally paper, that I suddenly started to wonder what actually happens to all these clean jars and old newspapers we so meticulously put out week after week. Not being able to find a satisfactory answer to that question I felt inspired to find my own use for the everyday things we all throw away. What I found was not only an incredible outlet for my creativity but also the ability to turn the contents of my recycle box into beautiful things!

I began experimenting with paper, closely followed by anything and everything I had to hand – newspapers, wrapping paper, old buttons, jumpers, even bottle caps from hubby’s favourite tipple! The results amazed me. My first piece was a pair of recycled cufflinks for my husband – a successful 1st anniversary gift! I made them using old buttons and chain for the backs and recycled paper for the decorative fronts. He was impressed not only because I had taken the time to make them myself but also the fact that just a few days before he was reading the newspaper that had now been turned into beautiful gems for him to wear on his cuffs!

From there I began making things for friends and family for birthdays. I made necklaces, bracelets, earrings, all the while experimenting with a variety of materials for each piece. It was my loved one’s responses to my creations that encouraged me to go out and try to share them with the world. I launched Blackberry Winter in May of this year and it is my hope that my earth-friendly jewellery will be something people can enjoy and feel good about wearing.

It may only be a few small steps but they all add up to make a big difference.

www.blackberrywinter.co.uk
Article by Helen Brooks

Well, after a long break Eco Chic Weekly is back with a vengeance.

Find all the latest in green and ethical fashion from those in the know…

Fashion Evolved
Check out this weeks Five Eco Fashion Finds

Eco-Chick’s
Features the the Sweater Chop Shop: Sewing One-of-a-Kind Creations from Recycled Sweaters

Green Grechen
Says Angel Court revamped jewellery is a must-have!

The Eco Diva
Pono jewellery line giveaway and interview with its creator Joan Goodman

Ethical Style
The eco bomber jacket for men by Canadian label Thieves

Feelgood Style
Taxi DCD specialises in re-vitalising vintage items to create beautiful ‘new’ clothes

Green Lashes and Fashion
Bows galore on vintage and green clothes and accessories

Heidi and Seek
Give us the run down on natural cloth pads by Naturally Hip

Inhabitat
Classic organic dresses for this Autumn by Velvet Leaf

Modern Hippie Mag
5 signs that you’ve found a great natural beauty product

Organic Beauty View
Tries out natural skin exfoliators

Alternative Consumer
This one’s for the green bag lovers – Mandinka Designs

The Thrifty Chicks
Consider thoughtful gift giving

TreeHugger
Calls for entries for the Planet Green and hessnatur’s Eco T-shirt Design Challenge

Green Girls
Video interview with Leila Hafzi about the US debut of her “Utopia” line on the conscious catwalk.

Ecco*Eco
Raffia Palm Clutches by Mad Imports – these are truly beautiful and I want one!

Eco Chic Weekly is coordinated by the fantastic ADQ of Fashion Evolved.

In a recent “green world” frenzy, many fashion designers have made a mindful effort to use organic and salvaged materials in their new lines.  This is certainly a breath of fresh air for Alex and Ani’s owner and designer Carolyn Rafaelian, who started her eco-friendly jewelry company 10 years ago.  Having the insight to make beautiful jewelry from recycled metals and vintage beads, Carolyn was ahead of the curve in creating products of unparalleled quality and beauty that promote consciousness and unity.  Alex and Ani jewelry is made from recycled metals and made entirely in the United States.

Carolyn took her philanthropic and green ideas one step further, when she introduced Charity by Design into her jewelry line.  Alex and Ani’s concept of Charity by Design allows for proceeds from the sale of the ‘Tree of Life’ bangle to go toward charitable causes such as relief efforts for the survivors of natural disasters and wildlife preservation efforts. Alex and Ani believes passionately that today’s consumers are tomorrow’s activists.  By creating jewelry that supports the environment through eco-friendly, recycled metals, those who purchase Alex and Ani designs are supporting a greener planet.

June 2009 has already proved to be an exciting month for Alex and Ani!  Carolyn opened her first retail store at Bowens Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island and the new Alex and Ani website was launched.  Check it out at www.AlexandAni.com.
Article by: Iris Carlomusto